ThermaPure on Ebola

The diagnosis of Thomas Eric Duncan, as Texas resident, with the ebola virus, has dominated US headlines for the past week. Here at ThermaPure, we would like to offer our dearest sympathies to his family and friends regarding his passing, and acknowledge the difficulty of facing this virus. ThermaPure has a lot of experience in containing and sanitizing contagions. Although we hope ebolavirus doesn’t continue to spread, we have done some precautionary research.

According the CDC’s website, the ebola virus can stay active on indoor surfaces for up to six days. This is unfortunate news. Common colds typically remain infections on surfaces for less than a day. However, ebola was found, “Relative to other enveloped viruses, to be quite sensitive to inactivation by ultraviolet light and drying.” The Public Health Agency of Canada states that ebola can be inactivated by heating it to 60 degrees Celsius, 140 degrees Fahrenheit, for thirty to sixty minutes.

ThermaPureHeat equipment can reach 212°F and remain there for hours in a properly prepared structure. In the past, the ThermaPure technology has been deployed for treating dangerous pathogens such as anthrax and MRSA. This powerful technology should only be used to treat dangerous pathogens under the direction of a qualified Environmental Engineering Professional. The CDC and Public Health Agency of Canada should consider the use of structural pasteurization prior to remediation efforts. This may result in the protection of remediation technicians and waist handlers.

Will Ebola Virus Grow with Flu Season?

Ebola has been found to remain active longer at lower temperatures. These findings are based on lab experiments and not tests conducted in a more natural environment. As we approach colder months, only time will tell with certainty how the ebola virus will react.